Most families didn't own a television until the late 1940s or early 1950s. Without a television (or computer or cell phone) what did our parents, grandparents or great-grandparents do for home entertainment in the 1930s? While television wasn't an option, radio was -- almost every household had one. The 1930's was the time of the Great Depression. Families often spent evenings huddled around the radio listening to a favorite show. And everyone had a favorite show! Imagine yourself listening to The Lux Radio Theatre (those of you who remember), an anthology show featuring movie stars reading live radio versions of their film roles. Watch as Rockport Little Theatre's stage becomes the sound stage on which the Miracle on 34th Street radio play, a Christmas favorite, comes to life.
December 6th - 22th
Fridays & Saturdays @ 7pm
Sundays @ 3pm
It is a tale that we want to believe in, that creates a world we seem to desperately desire, free of the blatant commercialism that surrounds us, where love and decency and generosity of spirit are their own rewards. What we want Christmas to be all about, really. By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy's Department Store. Kris unleashes waves of good will with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy's vocational counselor, who plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. Especially at stake is one little girl's belief in Santa. In a dramatic decision, the court confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy. This comedy/drama play, like Valentine Davies' book and the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture, continues to be a delightful "twentieth century Christmas carol."
Rated G.
Miracle on 34th Street the Play was portrayed as a radio show in the 1930s. Based on the Twentieth Century Fox motion picture Miracle on 34th Street. Adapted by Mountain Community Theater from the novel by Valentine Davies. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company.